Mannie Berk | Oscar Acciaioly represented the last generation on the island of one of Madeira’s oldest families. Descended from the Dukes of Burgundy, the Acciaiolys arrived on Madeira in the early 1500s and reputedly brought to it the Malvasia Babosa grape. When Acciaioly died in 1979, his remaining wines were divided in two. One part went to his second wife, who in turn sold them to Mario Barbeito. The second part went to his sons Michael and David, who consigned them, in their original state with original labels, capsules and corks, to Christie’s in London. This bottle is from the Christie's stock.

Roy Hersh | My contribution to the party; the bottle was purchased from an individual who bought it from Christie’s several decades ago. Dark maple color with a greenish-gold edge. Accessorized by a myriad of intense fragrances of quince, orange marmalade, mahogany, VA, sea salt, and a dollop of singed caramel. A sexy, if not slutty, version of Verdelho, with a velvety texture and concentrated, refined flavors of tangy lemon meringue, Amaretto, ripe nectarine, and salted toffee. This 1839 Acciaioly was as unctuous as any Malmsey, but the bittersweet core was balanced by laser-like acidity, which gave cut and tension. The lipsmacking, sweet, and enduring finish of liquid crème caramel went down easy. | 19